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David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that HASSAN MUHAMMAD, also known as “Hadi,” 24, of Hartford, was sentenced today by Chief United States District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 21 months of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, for his role in a Hartford crack cocaine distribution ring.

This matter stems from “Operation Vinefield,” a joint law enforcement investigation headed by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force targeting narcotics trafficking and gang violence in Hartford’s North End. As a result of the nine-month investigation, 38 individuals were charged with various offenses related to the distribution of crack cocaine and the unlawful possession and dealing of firearms in and around Hartford.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Joshua Easterling and Kyshiifa Boyd distributed large quantities of crack cocaine in Hartford’s lower Vine Street area, as well as in other locations in Hartford and East Hartford. In February 2012, MUHAMMAD was intercepted over a court-authorized wiretap ordering a distribution quantity of crack cocaine from Easterling.

The Hartford Police Department has identified MUHAMMAD as being a member of the AVE street gang.

On November 21, 2012, MUHAMMAD pleaded guilty to one count of using a telephone to facilitate a drug trafficking felony offense.

Easterling and Boyd have also pleaded guilty and await sentencing.

This matter has been investigated by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, the Connecticut State Police, the Hartford Police Department and the Connecticut Department of Correction. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brian P. Leaming.